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Short rest not hindrance for Zambrano

Short rest not hindrance for Zambrano

PITTSBURGH -- If Carlos Zambrano pitches in Tuesday's All-Star Game, he will be doing so on three days' rest. And he would be making his slated start on Saturday on three days' rest.

So, for all the unsuspecting knew, the burly Cubs ace may have been in the Steel City on Monday for the night's CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby on ESPN. The 255-pound right-hander suggested an interest in participating in the event earlier this month.

"Nah. I was just playing with the media," Zambrano said on Monday at his hotel. "I think they took that too seriously. It's too much pressure."

As it is, Zambrano said he has talked with Cubs manager Dusty Baker and will likely be available for an inning in Tuesday's showcase.

National League manager Phil Garner has made it clear he is playing to win with home-field advantage on the line come October. And the Senior Circuit, which has not won an All-Star Game since 1996, could certainly use him.

Perhaps nobody this side of Minnesota's sensation, Francisco Liriano, has been as dominating in recent months. Since April, Zambrano is 7-1 with a sub-two ERA. Overall, he is 8-3 with a 3.24 ERA, and his 124 strikeouts are third-best in the Majors.

If anybody can pitch on short rest, it's Zambrano. He has pitched into the sixth inning all but two times, and his 125 innings pitched are the sixth-most in the league. Most would see these numbers as only more reason for Zambrano to rest his right shoulder.

Not the man himself. Not at the All-Star Game.

"I can pitch. One inning, maybe two," Zambrano said, smiling.

The 25-year-old will be making his second Midsummer Classic appearance and is the Cubs' lone representative. In 2004, Zambrano became the youngest Cub in franchise history to pitch in an All-Star Game. He gave up a run in his one inning of work, but it was an experience he still cherishes.

Whatever happens this time, he said, he'll be sure to enjoy it. It's time spent with "almost all" of his family and a few days to get away from what has been a forgettable first half on the North Side.